Malta Family Adventure Tour Itinerary

Malta Family Adventure Tour Itinerary
REF: EUF16
VERSION: 1

Duration:	8 days - Sliema to Sliema
Countries Visited:	Malta
Age Guide:	Child 5-17 years Adult 18-65 years
Max Group Size:	16
Transport:	Private Vehicle, Ferry, Jeep, Schooner Rigged Turkish Gulet, On Foot
Accommodation:	Hotel (7 Nights)
What's Included:	7 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner - All Activities and Entrance Fees as per Itinerary - Escorted Tour - Local Guides - Arrival Transfer - Gozo Island Jeep Safari - Mdina (‘Silent City’) City Tour including Catacombs & Dungeon - Schooner Rigged Turkish Gulet Cruise - Marine Park, Playmobile Fun Park & Knights Spectacular Show
Local Payment:	NO LOCAL PAYMENT
Highlights:	Malta - Marine Park - Dolphins & Sea Lions - Valletta City - Mdina ("Silent City") - St Agatha’s Catacombs - Mdina Dungeon - Gozo Island Day Trip - Jeep Safari - Playmobile Fun Park - Knights Spectacular Show - Schooner Sailing Day Trip - Snorkelling in the Mediterranean - Blue Lagoon
Optional Highlights:	Malta - Karrozzin Carriage Ride - Malta Experience - Water Sports - Parasailing - Three Cities Tour - Day Tour of Malta's Archaeological & Prehistoric Past
Introduction	Get off the beaten track on our Family Adventure on the Island of Malta. We begin our tour with a visit to the Marine Park to experience the marine life, including dolphins and sea lions. Wander through the magical streets of Valletta and explore the town to discover the land the Crusaders called home. Spend time in the Old Capital City of Mdina, also known as “The Silent City” exploring the Catacombs and Dungeon. Then by ferry to the beautiful island of Gozo, where we take a jeep safari to explore some of the wild and fascinating sites. We take a tour of Playmobile Fun Park and enjoy an evening at the action packed Knights Spectacular Show. Finally we spend a day relaxing on a beautiful schooner rigged Turkish gulet, cruising the islands, with time to snorkel and swim in the glorious Mediterranean.
Joining Hotel:	Bayview Hotel & Apartments 143 The Strand Sliema Gzira Malta Tel : +356 2264 0000
Day 1:	Sliema - You will be met and assisted at Luqa airport, and transferred to your hotel in Sliema. A pre departure meeting will be held in the hotel reception area at 6pm. This meeting will give you the opportunity to meet your Tour Guide and fellow travellers. Your Tour Guide will inform you of the tour program for the next few days. Please ensure that you have provided us with your flight details to enable us to organise your arrival transfer.
Day 2:	Mediterraneo's Marine Park - Dolphins & Sea Lions. This morning you will meet in the lobby, and transfer to the Marine Park. The Marine Park is a great way for adults and children to learn more about the sea and the creatures which live in it through entertainment. Watch and enjoy an action packed performance by Mediterraneo's stars, the Dolphins and later on to a funny and educational show by a family of Sea Lions. Finally, be sure not to miss the latest attraction, the parrot show which will have the audience in stitches of laughter throughout their array of tricks. Definitely an excursion packed with entertainment for all ages that brings smiles all around and a perfect morning to experience when on holiday in Malta. After the visit to the park you can opt to return to the hotel or spend the rest of the afternoon at the marine park pools and water slides, making your own way back to the hotel later. (B)
Day 3:	Valletta (UNESCO World Heritage City) & Mdina "Silent City". After breakfast, you are met in reception for your transfer to Valletta, founded by the Knights of St John after the Great Seige of 1565. Here you have a guided tour of the Baroque capital city. Valletta, a fortified town, is the capital city of Malta, and everywhere you turn you will be able to see a testament to its 16th century past. Most of the city was built after the Great Siege of Malta, by the Ottoman Turks. The entire city of Valletta, Malta’s capital, is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This magnificent fortified gem contains numerous buildings of historic importance, and the tour of the city will enable you to visit some of the highlights that this bustling Baroque city has to offer. Your first stop will be the Upper Barracca Gardens which are built on the defensive bastions that surround this majestic city. These gardens, built by the Knights of St. John, command breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour and the fortified Three Cities. From the Upper Barracca Gardens we pass the Auberge de Castille et Leon, formerly the official seat of the of one of the most powerful langues of the Order and now the Office of the Prime Minister of Malta. The building is the finest work of eighteenth century baroque architecture in Valletta. From the Auberge you will head to St John's Co-Cathedral, with its impressive display of Baroque treasures and the Cathedral Oratory, home to the largest single work by Caravaggio, and his only signed work. Your next stop will be the Palace of the Grand Master and Museum of the Knights of Malta. This ranks among the most valuable historic monuments of European culture. If there is time you may like to take an optional Karrozzin for a ride along the waterfront and view the impressive Bastions built by the Knights of St John to fortify the city. A Karrozzin is a horse drawn carriage, where the carriage is dressed with curtains, and the driver sits in font exposed to the elements. Another possible option, time permitting, is the Malta Experience, an audio-visual show which will give you a comprehensive overview of the history of the Maltese Islands. Hear about the Roman, Arabs, and Spanish conquests, before finding out about the Crusaders and the Turkish siege. 44 projectors shown on a 33-foot screen, accompanied by spectacular audio sound effects, present the Malta Experience show. Lunch will be at leisure after which we will drive up to the Silent city of Mdina. Before we enter the walled city of Mdina we will visit St. Paul’s Catacombs. These are a typical complex of interconnected, underground Roman cemeteries that were in use up to the 4th century AD. They are located on the outskirts of Mdina, since Roman law prohibited burials within the city. The site was cleared and investigated in 1894 by Dr A.A. Caruana, the pioneer of Christian archaeology in Malta. The history of Mdina traces back more than 4000 years. According to tradition it was here that in 60 AD that the Apostle St. Paul is said to have lived after being shipwrecked on the Islands. It is also said that St. Paul resided inside the grotto know as Fuori le Mura (outside the city walls) now known as St. Pauls Grotto in Rabat. Lamp lit by night and referred to as “the silent city”, Mdina is fascinating to visit for its timeless atmosphere as well as its cultural and religious treasures. Mdina has had different names and titles depending on its rulers and its role but its medieval name describe it best – ‘Citta’ Notabile’ - the noble city. It was home then, as now, to Malta’s noble families. Some are descendants of the Norman, Sicilian and Spanish overlords who made Mdina their home from the 12th century onwards. Impressive palaces line its narrow, shady streets. Mdina is one of Europe’s finest examples of an ancient walled city and extraordinary in its mix of medieval and Baroque architecture. During our tour we will stop at the bastions of Mdina where you can see the extensive views of Malta from one of the highest points on the island. After your day in Valletta, you will be transferred back to your hotel. (B)
Day 4:	Ferry to Gozo Island - Jeep Safari. After an early start this morning you will be transferred to the harbour for the ferry to the island of Gozo. This ever popular Jeep Safari has been planned to show you the most beautiful parts of the Islands which are rarely visited by tourists. We avoid all the usual tourist sites and concentrate on an action packed day full of scenic beauty and fun. Our professional Safari leader will guide you throughout the day via radio taking you to places that even most local people do not know exist. A stop for swimming is also programmed. We serve a typical lunch where one may sample a large selection of local specialities and taste the local farmers' wine. The Jeep Safari is ideal for all age groups and it is a superb way of getting to know Malta and Gozo. Jeeps are Chauffeur Driven. All jeeps are 4 wheel drive, and have radio contact with the Safari Leader. Please note that there may be other non Kumuka clients on this day trip. After your day out in Gozo, you will return to Valletta by ferry and then transfer to the hotel for a free evening to recount the days activities. (B,L)
Day 5:	Free Day - Optional Day Tours. Today is a free day for you to relax or explore at your leisure. There are also some optional tours you may like to book on through your Tour Guide. Optional Tour of Malta’s Archaeological and Prehistoric Past. We start the day with a visit to the temple of Hagar Qim which was excavated for the first time in 1839, and dates from the Ggantija phase (c. 3600 - 3200 BC). It stands on a hilltop overlooking the sea and the islet of Fifla A number of important artifacts have been unearthed from Hagar Qim notably a decorated pillar altar, two table-altars and some of the ‘fat lady’ statues which are now on display at the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta. From here you will drive to Wied iz–Zurrieq, the picturesque Blue Grotto where [weather permitting] we shall take a boat to the Grotto to view the magnificent underwater flora. (The boat fare must be paid separately). Ghar Dalam Cave is another very important site you will visit, as it was here that the earliest evidence of human settlement on Malta, around 7,400 years ago, was found. This "Cave of Darkness" is also an extraordinary pre-historical cul de sac containing the bone remains of animals that were stranded and subsequently became extinct on Malta at the end of the Ice age. Ghar Dalam also has a small garden of indigenous and exotic plants and trees. After Ghar Dalam you will visit the Tarxien Temples which are the most complex of all temple sites in Malta and dates back to 3600 - 2500 BC. It consists of four megalithic structures and is of particular interest due to the fact that it offers an insight into how the temples were built. The temples are especially renowned for the detail of their carvings, which include domestic animals carved in relief, altars, and screens decorated with spiral designs and other patterns. Lunch will be at leisure This picturesque fishing village is memorable for its many colourful ‘eyed’ Luzzi (traditional fishing boats). It is here that in the 9th century BC the first Phoenicians landed and set up trading posts. It was also in this harbour that the Turkish anchored their fleet during the Great Siege. After lunch one will be able to take a brief stroll along the water front to get a closer look at the fishing boats and after which we will head back to the hotel. Optional Tour of the Three Cities. The Three Cities tour commences with a drive through Senglea, then to Cospicua and finally up to Vittoriosa known by the Maltese as Birgu. Lunch will be at leisure The city of Birgu was established on the Grand Harbour of Malta around Fort St. Angelo, and served as Malta's principal harbour. When the Knights of St. John arrived in 1530, they made Birgu the capital city of Malta, since the former capital, Mdina, was inland and did not suit their naval requirements. After the Great Siege against the Turks, the Knights also gave Birgu the title Città Vittoriosa, Italian for "victorious city". A brief tour around the Collachio (an area reserved only for the Knights) will show you the many old Auberges of the Knights, and the Inquisitor’s Palace, one of the very few surviving examples of a style of palace that would have been found all over Europe and South America in the early modern period. A trip along the restored waterfront and the Maritime Museum will end our tour for the day. (B)
Day 6:	Playmobile Fun Park, Knights Spectacular Show. After breakfast, meet in the lobby for our great half day excursion. On this excursion we visit the Playmobile Fun Park, which is the second largest factory of its kind worldwide. Here we can witness the toys of this loveable brand while they are actually being produced. After a detailed guided tour of the production area, we can then spend the rest of the morning in the Fun Park where the children can enter the world of imagination and creativity with such toys like Noah's Ark, the land of the dinosaurs or enjoy the excitement of the airport and its planes, police and fire stations and many more fun-loving toys in a totally safe environment. Lunch and afternoon are at leisure. One option which we recommend is the Splash and Fun Park during the summer months which offers a full array of water slides and a large wave pool. For the evening a visit to the Knights Spectacular Show. Spend an evening enjoying an action packed spectacular musical show with a lavish three course meal and free flowing wine (for the adults) with free flowing soft drinks for the children. Join us to witness the world famous Knights of St John, clad in full shining armour, giving battle to the colourful warriors of Suleiman the Magnificent in the epic siege of 1565. This amazing evening excursion involves 50 talented performers and 8 well trained horses that help us relive the splendour of the 16th century with the merriment and fun of a village feast together with the excitement of two young lovers that softly dance their way into each other’s hearts. Discover the pleasures of a mysterious oriental harem all in a pulsating spectacle for a complete night out not to be missed!!
Day 7:	Day Trip on Turkish Rigged Gulet. After breakfast, we transfer from the hotel to the Sliema Creek where the boat departs. The boat is a beautiful 26m schooner rigged Turkish gulet. Please note that there may be non Kumuka clients on the gulet. The cruise will head north west towards Gozo, past beautiful panoramic views, cliffs, coves and inlets. The rest of the morning is spent swimming in the Mediterranean or just relaxing on deck soaking up the sun. If you are feeling active, pick up a mask and snorkel, which will be provided for you on board, and snorkel in the clear waters looking for fish. A buffet lunch is included. After lunch we set sail towards Comino, where you will enjoy the rest of the day swimming in the crystal blue waters of the Blue Lagoon. After your day out you will then be transferred back to your hotel for a free evening. (B,L)
Day 8:	Sliema. The tour ends after breakfast. (B)
Finishing Point:	Bayview Hotel & Apartments 143 The Strand Sliema Gzira Malta Tel : +356 2264 0000
Please Note:	Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as unpredictable climate, road conditions of the local area, festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs smoothly.
What's not included:	All optional excursions, visas, tips and meals unless otherwise stated in the itinerary.

Pre Departure Information Follows


Pre-Departure Information:	The Pre-Departure meeting is held at 6pm on DAY ONE of your tour. The pre-departure meeting is held to discuss the tour itinerary in more detail, meet your tour leader and fellow passengers. In addition the tour leader will check that all passengers have the necessary travel documents and insurance for the tour. It is IMPORTANT that you attend this meeting. Please advise KUMUKA or your AGENT if you CANNOT attend this meeting. All passengers MUST bring: 1. Passport. 2. Travel Voucher. 3. Travel Insurance Policy.
Insurance:	Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment and repatriation. It is also very important that your insurance policy is relevant to the Kumuka style of travel. Kumuka offers a specially negotiated insurance policy specifically tailored to adventure travel. As well as providing substantial cover for medical emergency, cancellation and curtailment, personal luggage, money and valuables and legal expenses, this insurance will also provide cover for the adventure activities you may choose to undertake whilst on tour. Please call us on the Kumuka free phone number 0800 068 8855 (UK only), or on 1300 667 277 in Australia, for further information. No client will be allowed on tours without suitable insurance. If you have already arranged insurance elsewhere, please be aware that many of the optional activities such as bungy jumping or water rafting may not be covered on your policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. At the start of your tour you will be asked to present your original policy document and complete an insurance information form. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. Please note: you will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance and you will be asked to purchase a Kumuka policy if you do not have travel insurance.
Passports:	Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend that you keep your passport on you at all times, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing or kept in a safety deposit box at your hotel. We advise that you take copies of relevant pages in your passport and any visas that you may purchase in case of loss or damage. Again, we recommend that you have a photocopy of all passport details, kept separate. Your passport must be valid for six months after the END of your tour.
Visa requirements:	It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Europe trip. Country entry regulations change daily, www.kumuka.com provides you with visa information. Please consult your relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs. Visas cannot be obtained once you have started your tour, and during the peak summer months it can take longer than normal to get visas, please allow extra time to do this. EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR. Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.
Medical Information:	Vaccinations: No vaccinations are compulsory in Europe, however you may need additional inoculations so please contact your G.P or a travel medical centre for further information. We also recommend: A dental check-up prior to travelling. That you know your blood group in case of emergency. That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader or representative and your agent/Kumuka at the time of your booking. You can also visit www.kumuka.com for further details. Medical Supplies: We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit. Below is a list of some recommended items: Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills. A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.
Security:	Europe, like the rest of the world, is no stranger to theft. You must exercise extreme care with wallets, cameras and other valuables especially in towns or busy tourist areas. We advise that you make copies of your passport, credit cards, airline tickets and your insurance policy and that you keep a careful note of both used and unused traveller’s cheque numbers. At times when you are unable to store your valuables in safety deposit boxes in hotels we recommend that you carry some sort of money belt or hidden pouch for safekeeping of valuable items.
Money:	We recommend an average of €40-50 per day. This of course depends on your own spending habits, the number of optional excursions you wish to take and the amount of additional snacks, souvenirs and drinks you wish to buy along the way. We advise that you carry a mixture of cash, credit/debit cards and travellers cheques with you on your trip and that these are in Euros. We suggest that you record your travellers cheque numbers and keep these records separate from your cheques. American Express and Thomas Cook Travellers Cheques are welcome and can be cashed in at most banks and bureau de changes. Credit cards are accepted virtually everywhere. They can also be used to obtain money from ATMs. You should make sure you know your PIN number. ATM cards can be used widely in Malta. Again, you will need your PIN. Your bank will provide you with more details.
Tipping:	Tipping is a way of life and very much expected. For many tipping is a means of supplementing their wage and is a normal part of payment for goods and services. Be sure to keep small denomination notes or coins on you to avoid embarrassment. It is customary to tip for services received, however, not compulsory. Tipping is done at your discretion.
Luggage and Personal Equipment:	How much should I take? Because of limited luggage space on transfer vehicles, we must limit each passenger to ONE main suitcase or frameless backpack the size should be no more than 75cm x 45cm x 25cm and one day bag. Your main bag must not weigh more than 20 kg’s. A frameless or internally framed backpack is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles. A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions. We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards Travellers Cheques etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes. TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!
Personal Effects:	We suggest that you take into account the time of year you will be travelling, and pack accordingly to the season. Quick drying clothes are recommended, and at many hotels there are laundry facilities. Personal Effects: Camera & film, Spare passport photos, Water bottle, Money belt, Sewing kit, Sunhat/ Sunglasses, Music CDs/Ipod, Books, Wet Ones, Soap to wash clothes, Writing materials, Swiss Army knife, Calculator, Personal toiletries, including tampons, contraceptives, Insect Repellent, Sunscreen.
Local Customs:	Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe such as covering your shoulders and knees when entering a Catholic church etc.
Books and Reading Material:	You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit.
Climate:	For detailed climate information see www.kumuka.com. Travel Tip: Always bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket and/or an umbrella even during the height of summer - this should prepare you for anything!
Time:	For detailed information see www.timezoneconverter.com or www.timeanddate.com
Language:	English will be widely spoken in the major tourist attractions of the main cities. Take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable.
Food:	Vegetarians or those with special dietary needs can also be catered for however in some countries the type of food may be limited. Please let the Reservations team know your special requirements as soon as possible so we can do all possible to assist your needs.
Photography:	All types of camera film are readily available in Europe; however, it is often cheaper to purchase it in your country of origin or through duty free. As a guideline, most people use approximately one to two rolls of 36 per week. Fast film (200-400 ASA) may be useful at times and black & white film is nice to use for portraits of local people. A zoom lens is also useful. Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission.
Accommodation:	We have put a lot of thought and effort into locating the most appropriate type of accommodation in Malta. You will be staying at comfortable centrally located 4 star hotel with sea views. If you wish to spend a few additional days in your start city before the departure of your tour, then we can arrange accommodation for you. If you would like to stay additional nights after the tour, we will be more than happy to arrange this for you as well. All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable. Please be aware that accommodation availability can fill very quickly especially during high season and recommend that you book this as soon as possible. It will NOT be possible to confirm any pre tour accommodation made 2 weeks or less prior to your arrival.
Optional Activities:	During the tour your Tour Guide may recommend a variety of optional activities operated by carefully selected ground handlers to make your tour even more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners have been chosen for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. All optional activities are available at your own expense, and are undertaken at your own risk. Kumuka cannot be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by third party.
Drug Policy:	Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. It is against the law to use or be in possession of illegal drugs and substances. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be subject to the local authorities. No refund whatsoever will be returned, should this situation occur. If you are on prescription drugs, then it is advisable to have a note from your doctor confirming this.
Staying in Touch:	Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this: Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad. Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use. Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!
Tour Feedback:	Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com
Contact Details:	KUMUKA WORLDWIDE UK OFFICE Hillswood Business Park 3000 Hillswood Drive Chertsey KT16 0RS Tel: +4420 7937 8855 Fax: +442075043782 Email: sales@kumuka.com www.kumuka.com AUSTRALIAN OFFICE Level 5, 387 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Tel: 02 9279 0491 Fax: 02 9279 0492 Email: sales@kumuka.com.au www.kumuka.com.au
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This tour is operated by Kumuka Worldwide. Information given in all brochures, leaflets and dossiers is given in good faith by the company, and is based on the latest information available at the date of publication. The company reserves the right to change any of the facilities or vehicles described in the brochure without becoming liable for compensation or refund.

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